2026 Highlight Foundation Book Writing Retreat

BOOK WRITING RETREAT at The Hightlights Foundation

Write Your Book

With Grace & Ease

Milanville, PA | June 27, 2026 - July 1, 2026

Discover How to Write & Publish Your Book

A Five-Day Book Writing Retreat Supported by Experienced Experts, Farm to Table Food & Nature

The ONLY Book Training from Idea to Publication Acclaimed in The Write Life's List of "Incredible Writing Retreats" for Six Years.

Birth a Book Coaches with Fall 2023 Retreat Participants

Yes, you do have a book in you. You feel it and know it's your time to write it. You know your book will change lives, including your own.

You just need some guidance, time to focus, and a community of like-minded people to support you. We created this book-writing retreat for you.

If you are an expert in your field, a health and wellness practitioner, an educator with valuable lessons, or a person who must share an inspirational story, we can help you move your book-writing dream forward.

Nourish and embrace your creative self.
Relax and rejuvenate.
Focus on your future.

YES! I WANT TO JOIN YOU!

Write Your Book Surrounded by Nature.

View from the retreat center.

The retreat will be held in the scenic Upper Delaware River Valley, in the Pocono Mountains foothills. We will be surrounded by a 1,300-acre forest, situated just a stone’s throw from Calkins Creek and a couple of hours from both New York City and Philadelphia.

Write Your Book in a Peaceful Retreat Center.

This intimate experience will be hosted at The Barn and Retreat Center at Boyds Mills. The property is rich in family history, and a wonderful place that feeds the mind, body, and soul.

Write Your Book Fueled by Delicious Food & Delightful People.

We will be served farm-style meals with local ingredients and specialties: everything from herbs snipped fresh from the garden, to eggs from nearby farms, to bread and pastries from local bakeries. Full meals are served three times a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and there will be refreshments and snacks available around the clock in designated areas. Most of the meals will be served buffet–style in The Barn.

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TESTIMONIALS

What our attendees are saying...

"I am so much further ahead on my book than I thought possible"

"The retreat is perfect for the writer that needs a comfortable, supportive environment to move his or her book forward.

Targeted instruction is both global and tailored to participants. The beautiful and idyllic setting is a delight for the senses. I highly recommend this retreat!"

Nicki Clausen-Grace

Teacher and Children's Book Author

"I got out of my head...and got instant feedback that was real, grounded and helpful."

This retreat was a remarkable and transformative experience. If you have ever dreamed of writing a book, Dorothy guides you through from thought to actionable authorship."

Linda Frisone Gamber

Business Executive

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Is this retreat for you?

Are You a Health and Wellness Practitioner?

Amplify your impact through the written word. Your book will help you to reach and help more people and improve your professional standing.

Do You Champion Self-Care?

You deserve dedicated time to nurture yourself. That will unlock profound insights to write a more compelling book which will more effectively help others.

Are You an Innovator in Your Field?

Share your unique perspectives and experiences in a book that inspires and enlightens, crafted in an environment that understands your vision.

Are You a Memoirist with a Mission?

Your personal stories and life lessons have the power to change the world. Turn your journey into a universal message of resilience and hope.

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From the Founder of Birth a Book

Founder of the Birth a Book System, Best-selling Author
and an Experienced Book Midwife

The Birth a Book Retreat was created in 2016 by Dorothy Holtermann, founder of Birth a Book and bestselling author of Love Food That Loves You Back.

Headquartered in New York City, she teaches the Birth a Book System™ worldwide through immersive retreats and professional trainings, specializing in nonfiction and memoir for purpose-driven professionals and storytellers.

Dorothy has midwifed thousands of best-selling books.

Is your book next?

The Write Life has featured Birth a Book Retreats as among their Incredible Writing Retreats, seven years in a row.

Dorothy’s work and insights have been featured in The New York Times, TIME Magazine, Southern Living, and Good Morning America.

Take a Virtual Tour:

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TESTIMONIALS

What our attendees are saying...

The retreat far exceeded my expectations. I found a whole group of people who now feel like family. The gentle yoga helped me reconnect to my body in a good way. I was able to focus and reconnect to my humor. I got so much accomplished on my book!"

Catherine Piper

"I hoped to get direction for my book, and I got that! I hoped to get publishing direction, and I got that! I was able to feel free to share my book concept, and now I am able to own the fact that I have a voice and I can use it!"

Heather Adamson

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Who your coaches will be:

Founder of Birth a Book System

Dorothy Holtermann is on a mission to help people make their book writing dreams come true. As a nutrition expert, her impact and income greatly benefited when she became the published author of Love Food that Loves you Back. Inspired by her success, but sad by how long it took her to publish, she developed the Birth a Book System to make it easier for others. She has helped hundreds write their books and will coach your book out of you!

Book Developmental Writing Coach

Clementina Esposito is Birth a Book's-in-house writing professor. Her holistic editing and coaching skills have made her a sought-after content collaborator on best-selling books. She is a marvel at helping everyday writers like you create extraordinary written content that changes the minds and hearts of readers. She is also the founder of The Clementina Collective, where no one writes alone and everyone values the power of a well-told story.

"Dorothy is an amazingly compassionate expert who instills the confidence needed to birth our books! I went from overwhelmed to empowered and soon will be a published author!"

Beth Bolwerk, Copy Editor

"Clementina is a brilliant and compassionate editor who instills the confidence needed to write a book I'll be proud to publish soon."

Sandy Mucci,

Community Advocate

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Previous Birth a Book Retreats:

Dorothy welcoming retreat guests with snacks & local tourist information

Clementina leading class in the retreat library

Participants getting feedback!

Outdoor writing class under a tree.

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What Will the Day to Day Actually Look Like?

DAY ONE:

Welcome & Introduction

12:00 PM

Begin your retreat journey with a delicious, health-centric buffet lunch.

12:30 PM - 3:00 PM

After lunch, get acquainted with the retreat team and center. Feel free to explore the calming retreat grounds. Let the gentle hum of the babbling brook or the meditative atmosphere of the word rock garden soothe your spirit as you await check-in.

3:00 PM

Find comfort in your room and discover your personal haven for the next five days.

4:00 PM

Dorothy Holtermann, the founder of Birth a Book, will lead an introductory class on the "Birth a Book System" – your blueprint for the retreat and beyond. Immediately after, you'll connect with Clementina, our writing professor, who will prepare you for her sessions. These sessions promote inspiration, camaraderie, and the opportunity to share your writings within the supportive group.

5:30 PM

As the sun sets, we will celebrate the evening, starting with appetizers, followed by a delightful farm to table dinner that includes a complementary glass of wine or beer.

7:00 PM

The day concludes with an empowering session, sharing our writing.

DAY TWO - FOUR:

Deep Dive into Writing & Expert Feedback

Early Mornings

Start each day with a refreshing ramble or hike by the brook, a perfect setting to reflect, connect with fellow attendees, and gather inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding you.

Enjoy a rejuvenating breakfast at 8 am, setting the right tone for a day filled with writing, creativity, and learning.

Late Mornings

A foundational lesson with Dorothy, followed by a yoga class. Stretch, breathe, and find your center amidst the tranquil surroundings.

Afternoon

After lunch at noon, enjoy productive, quiet writing time, followed by a tailored writing session. Dive deep into your craft, share your progress, solicit feedback, and cherish the camaraderie with our writing professor, Clementina Esposito!

Evening

Appetizers followed by dinner starts at 5:30 and once it concludes we will write and share our writing for feedback.

DAY FIVE:

Move Forward!

Enjoy a final nature walk, and breakfast, and then join the group for a final Sacred Circle Session to set your intentions to bring your writing into the world, leaving with new found friendships, clarity and confidence to move forward!

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TESTIMONIALS

What our attendees are saying...

WHAT MARY HAS TO SAY:

"THE HUMOR, THE FUN, [AND] THE CAMARADERIE HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES IN MY ENTIRE LIFE"

"I’ve been to The Birth a Book Retreat twice now, and I cannot say enough or recommend it more highly.

The team...is amazing!

I am grateful for all the time and energy you have invested in me."

Dr. Mary Hart

WHAT MICHAEL HAS TO SAY:

"I’M REALLY BLOWN AWAY AND I

CAN’T WAIT TO SHOW THE

WORLD MY BOOK"

"Over the course of just a few days, working alongside all of my inspiring writer friends [and] these three amazing coaches, I found out…how to present my work, how to analyze my work, how to balance structure with creativity, and I was absolutely blown away"

Michael Neece

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But remember, this isn’t your typical writing retreat.

Discover Your Inner Voice

This retreat goes beyond mere writing; it's an opportunity to delve deep into your inner self, unlocking the stories and wisdom that lie within.

Nourishment for Your Creative Soul

We're dedicated to providing the nourishment your creativity needs to flourish, ensuring you leave feeling refreshed and inspired.

Jumpstart Your Writing Journey

Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refine your work, we're here to illuminate your path to writing and publishing a book that will transform your life, career, and income.

Open to All Levels

Whether your in the "thinking stages" or have been writing for a while, our retreat is designed to welcome you.

Leave with Clarity and Confidence

No matter your starting point, you will leave this retreat with a clear vision and the confidence to take the next steps toward becoming a published author.

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BOOK WRITING RETREAT at The Hightlights Foundation

Write Your Book at a Peaceful & Productive Mountain Retreat

Milanville, PA | June 27th- JULY 1st, 2026

Tuition Includes :

5 Days / 4 Nights Accommodations

4 Nourishing Banquet Breakfasts

4 Farm-to-Table Lunches

4 Farm-to-Table Dinners

6 Book Writing Workshops designed to get your book focused and written faster

3 Yoga Classes

1 One-on-one Coaching Session with Dorothy
Daily Writing Classes with Clementina. You'll also get an opportunity to have her edit your writing!
Plenty of time to write and explore nature.

PRIVATE CABIN

Enjoy your own private cabin! Includes outdoor porch with seating, bathroom, mini fridge and coffee maker.

$800

4 Payments of $800

or Save $200 with a Single Payment of $3,000

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LODGE ROOM

Get cozy in The Lodge! Includes a private room with a private bathroom. Kitchen and gathering spaces are communal.

$750

4 Payments of $750

or Save $200 with a Single Payment of $2,800

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Registration Requirements

This book writing retreat is open to writers of all levels, from beginner to professional. It is perfect for nonfiction writers. However, fiction writers have come and used our tools to make progress. All we require is an open-mind, an open-heart, and a readiness to embrace a transformative experience.

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot come in person for any reason, you'll be given a credit for Birth a Book services minus a $400 transfer fee. You can apply that credit to the next retreat or event, private coaching, editing, or our membership service. Your credit expires after one year.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a professional writer to attend ?

No. Our retreat is open to all levels. In our experience, most people underestimate their writing skills. Good writing is usually a byproduct of setting clear objectives and goals. Our retreat is designed to help you clarify those. On top of that, you will also have an opportunity to have your writing improved with professional feedback.

Will I fit in?

This is our seventh year running these retreats and the magic of how lovely people get along is inspiring. We are a welcoming group and odds are you will leave with life-long friends. We are committed to building a community. If you are kind and want to be of service to the world, you will fit in!

How do I get there?

Most people will come by car. The retreat center is about a 2 hour drive from New York City or Philadelphia. You can fly to Newark or Wilkes-Barre Airports. Airport shuttle bus services are sometimes available for a fee, as well as shuttle buses from nearby bus stops. We are happy to assist with any questions you may have about travel.

What kind of food will be served?

Dorothy wrote the book Love Food that Loves You Back. She chose this retreat center because, among other things, the food is farm to table and delicious! We can accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free diets. We will also accommodate your food allergies and intolerances.

How much progress should I expect to make in writing my book?

No one writes a book in 4 days. Our objective is to have you map out your book and teach you a system to optimize publishing success. The Pocono retreat will also offer plenty of quiet writing time to set the stage for significant writing progress.

Do I have to be experienced in yoga?

Our yoga teachers are highly skilled. They manage the class so that people of all skill levels are accommodated. The goal of adding yoga is to help you relax, open up your creative spirit, so you confidently move your book project forward.

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